Whenever it’s about to plan an active outdoor family vacation, it is always great to consider kids-friendly starter trails in the United States. Whether you want to add day hikes to your camping trip or plan to enjoy a full hiking vacation, family hiking trips are always amazing and exciting to be active and get outdoors.

Most amazingly, most starter trails to hike with kids in the United States are free or low-cost. So, you can easily enjoy a more memorable, exciting, and budget-friendly outdoor vacation plan with your kids.

Top starter trails to hike with kids in the United States

Are you new to planning a hiking trip with kids? Stay calm. Here we have brought a complete list of the best starter trails you can consider hiking with kids in the United States. Let's have a look at the best options below.

So, here we go:

Acadia National Park, Jordan Pound Path

This National Park consists of a lucrative mix of lush mountains, water features, and rich wildlife. You can enjoy all these by hiking the beautiful Jordan Pound Trail in Acadia National Park. Even though this trail is considered a moderate hiking trail, most of its part is flat. Due to this, Jordan Pound Path is suitable for hikers of all ages.

Additionally, dogs are also allowed to hike this trail on a leash. About a 3.2-mile loop of this trail lies along the water's edge. It also offers The Bubble Mountains vistas. So, you can have a scenic hike throughout the path.

Most importantly, swimming isn't allowed on the trail. However, visitors often spot frogs, loons, beavers, and birds along the trail. Hiking this trail in autumn will let you experience a striking range of colors.

Zion National Park, Utah

If you want to make your kids learn how to hike, start their hiking journey from Zion National Park. Zion is a popular paradise for hikers with beautiful trails like Angel’s Landing. Moreover, Zion National Park also offers some fabulous kids-friendly trails to hike.

The canon floor of Zion has various hiking trails for kids. These are enjoyable intermediate hikes that can make your kids happier. This park also contains nice amenities for families to enjoy their time here.

Moreover, Pa’rus Trail is another amazing bike-friendly and dog-friendly trail to hike. This trail is both wonderful and scenic. You can also book a hotel to stay outside for a perfect and relaxing holiday.

Glenwood Springs, Hanging Lake, Colorado

Every summer, many kids enjoy hiking the Hanging Lake in Colorado. The rocky and steep ascent starts from Glenwood Canyon path and finishes at a beautiful lake that waterfalls feed. The beautiful lake is shimmering in beautiful shades of blue and green.

However, getting a paid permit to hike this trail is essential, which has made this crowded summer trail a peaceful route. You can have a nearly private excretion experience here.

Geyser Basin Trail, Yellowstone National Park

The first national park in the world can give you every bit to enjoy a memorable and mind-blowing hiking experience for your young hikers. Head towards the Geyser Basin Trail and see a list of the greatest vertebrates on this 2.1-mile hiking path.

Always check the schedule for grand geysers, Old Faithful, and Castle before planning your hiking trip to Geyser Basin Trail.

Glacier Point, Yosemite National Park

If you want to introduce your family, especially kids, to the views that inspired the national park system’s birth, bring them to this beautiful half-mile Glacier Point loop. This hiking trail is suitable for people of all ages. From this trail, you can also see the much-appreciated Yosemite Valley views.

It also includes Lower and Upper Yosemite Fall and an iconic view of Half Dome. These places are arguably fun to watch for your kids and other family members.

Desert Botanical Garden, Arizona

Here we have another great place to enjoy hiking with family in Desert Botanical Garden. Papago Park’s buttes in Phoenix are the sole botanical garden to focus on desert plants completely. You can find a lot to see here, with multiple trails to hike.

• You can see the desert plants across the globe around the Desert Discovery Trail.
• However, The Sonoron Desert Trail displays how we consume desert plants for tools and food.
• On the other hand, Sonoron Desert Nature Trail depicts the importance of the relationship between desert animals and plants.

Wander these trails and help yourself to admire this place’s unusual beauty.

Kephart Prong Trail in the Smoky Mountains 

Although this isn't the most beautiful trail in the Smoky Mountains, the Kephart Prong Trails is arguably a great pick for families with kids. Here you can admire historical sites and avoid crowds. The trail comprises a 42-mile round hike trip that also includes crossing the Oconaluftee River via footbridges surrounded by breathtaking and lush forests.

At the beginning of the trail, you will pass by Civilian Conservation Crop Camp’s remnants from 1933 to 1942.

Portland area and Columbia River Gorge in Oregon

Do you want a great opportunity to mix hiking and city life experiences? Then this starter trail to hike with your kids is the best. Rivers, waterfalls, and forests can give you some breathtaking views of the trail’s surroundings.

Fortunately, Portland and its surrounding is truly a paradise for starter-friendly trails. Most of these trails are perfect for hiking with kids due to their easy walk. Forest Park is whiting the city limit with its wilderness and large green area.

Moreover, Columbia River Gorge is another wonderful area within 30 miles of Portland. The place is familiar with vistas and wonderful waterfalls. These trails are easier to hike, enjoy with your kids, and admire these beautiful waterfalls.

Final Thoughts

The United States is home to various wonderful hikes where you can enjoy a fun and memorable hiking experience. Most of these starter trails have the necessary amenities to welcome young hikers. However, we have enlisted some of the best starter trails that can give you wonderful experiences and scenic views throughout the journey.

Image by Hermann Traub from Pixabay